Presented By: Live Nation

Review By: Sarah Kidd

Artist: Mother Mother

Date: Thursday 14th November 2024

Venue: Auckland Town Hall, Auckland, New Zealand

Social media is a strange beast; there is no denying that it is an integral part of 95% of people’s lives – whether you want it to be or not. And while there can be a lot of drawbacks, it can also be a rather beneficial tool. In the case of the popularity of Mother Mother, very much so!

Formed in 2005, Mother Mother have of course organically grown a following over the years, but thanks to TikTok, tracks from there 2008 album went viral, twelve years after their release. In particular, ‘Hayloft’ which was almost inescapable at the time.

And so, a whole new generation of followers were introduced to the Canadian darlings who to no surprise, quite easily sold out the Auckland Town Hall despite it being the week of international concert overload.

There is something rather endearing about an all-ages show, watching kids who had barely drawn their first breath in this world when the band were formed, congregate at the front of the stage to pay homage to their idols. Further back and in the balcony seating, the more seasoned watched on, many bouncing in their seats, others taking on a more stoic approach. But as lead vocalist Ryan Guldemond would later point out – it doesn’t matter where you are in the room, or how you choose to enjoy the music, it is all about being part of the beautiful energy that is being created in that moment.

And what energy it was! The five members didn’t arrive on stage, they exploded; bassist Mike Young and Ali Siadat on drums forming the pulsating back line, while Ryan, front and centre was flanked by his sister Molly and Jasmin Parkin wearing red chiffon dresses and the shiniest black boots to have ever graced the town hall.

Donned in a pitch-black boiler suit, with bright silver zipper highlights and black loafers, Ryan was vocally bordering on pure perfection from beginning to end, that smooth Canadian accent like an aged whiskey, with a drop of Greaves honey; it was rich, sweet, and rolled straight over the tongue.

Wasting no time the indie-rock quintet hit the audience with some favourites straight off the bat; ‘Nobody Escapes’, ‘Arms Tonite’ and ‘Hayloft II’, Mike looking like a man battling his demons as he stomped back and forth with his long necked bass, Molly and Jasmin often singing the backing vocals in unison atop mini stage risers to the sides of Ryan who wielded his numerous electric and acoustic guitars with pure abandon throughout the evening. Dropping solos like bolts of lightning when called for, then making those same strings purr like a contented kitten when the song required a more philosophical touch.

Speaking of how life can be a rather strange thing to deal with, but all we can do is live it “our way,” fans began to scream as they cottoned on to what track was about to drop. ‘The Matrix’ from Grief Chapter released earlier this year, is lyrically brilliant; a tale as old as time, it speaks of how death is inevitable so “find yourself a mantra”, live life how you want to, despite the fear, despite the pressures, burn bright! A theme that ties in brilliantly with opener ‘Nobody Escapes’ which warns that no matter your looks or perceived status, the world may not always treat you with kindness.

Subtly, ‘The Matrix’ began to shape shift, Ryan strumming his guitar slightly slower, those who are devotees of the American alt band The Pixies immediately recognising “Where is My Mind” as it emerged. Granted, it is a track that is rather identifiable for many reasons (Fight Club anyone?), but it was delightful to see just how many younger audience members went wild for the anthem, throwing their arms in the air while questioning the universe just where their minds were…

Moving through songs such as ‘Problems’ which has a jaunty-country feel to it, and ‘Explode!’ which leans far more into its indie roots with punctuated verses before dropping into a fantastically distorted chorus that is like a delicious shockwave; fans celebrated as Jasmin stepped forward for a solo rendition of Lana Del Rey’s ‘Video Games’ which she brought a whole new darker feel to.

But Jasmin wasn’t the only phenomenal singer on stage last night, Ryan’s sister Molly soon introduced lovingly to the stage by Ryan as he informed everyone that ‘Sleep Awake’ was the first song he ever wrote for his sibling to sing; Molly outdoing herself as she stood upon the riser illuminated by a single spotlight, the band slowly building in intensity behind her before she let forth a shriek that was both impressive and strangely satisfying.

A brief pause allowed the tireless techs to move some things about, Mother Mother, shifting down towards the front for an acoustic set that showed just how vastly versatile they truly are; Ryan’s voice by this point hypnotising most of the front section as he flashed a smile at them and spoke of how grateful he was to be a part of this night, this energy and how proud he was of the people who had come out despite their struggles. “This is brave of you, to leave the house and be here tonight”

In fact, the entire evening was one of love and gratitude. Sure, it is easy for bands to trudge out the old “you are the best crowd we have ever played to” line, in fact most expect it; but with Ryan, it genuinely felt like he was speaking to each individual there, his eyes often landing on someone as he spoke. His sentiment was reflected by the band, who nodded their heads in agreement as Ryan spoke of how they were quite aware of the fact that TikTok was a blessing in disguise and allowed them to travel to such places as New Zealand. “We’re not really the vacationing type” he quipped with a winsome smile.

Back into the rockier side of the band after pared back versions of songs such as the frenetic ‘Dirty Town,’ ‘Ghosting’ and ‘It’s Alright’, and the crowd went wild for the pairing of ‘Oh Ana’ and ‘Wrecking Ball’, before the very floorboards shook as those cheeky opening notes of ‘Verbatim’ tripped across the room. ‘Hayloft’ followed quickly behind; voices raised as attendees sang along in joyful unison.

Waving goodbye the band quickly left, allowing everyone the opportunity to stamp their feet and cry out for more.

Ryan was first to appear, once again taking the time to speak of their gratitude and to discuss the topic of grief and how it is “good to die” in the metaphorical sense, but how the loss of someone can also leave a hole, but while that void may seem deep and dark, death, and indeed loss can provide the ultimate inspiration to live life to the fullest and find beauty in the smallest of things.

Coming from anyone else and this dialogue may have come across as mawkish, but in the hands of Ryan Guldemond it was authentic and rather inspiring; certainly, a sentiment to live by.

His rendition of ‘Grief Chapter,’ the title track of their latest album was charming and heartfelt, phone torch lights soon lighting up the town hall. Bringing it all to a close, ‘Burning Pile’ took everyone back to 2008’s revered O My Heart record to end the night in jubilation.

Distributing guitar pics galore and a few drumsticks Mother Mother took a bow before the members departed one by one leaving Ryan alone. Taking his time, he moved slowly across the stage, making eye contact with as many in attendance as possible, blowing kisses and making heart shapes with his hands along the way. It was as if he wanted to capture this scene and embed it in his memory, the connection between artist and admirer palpable.

If you get the chance to catch Mother Mother live, do not hesitate, not even for a secondnot only are they a collection of amazingly talented musicians, but they also bring a spirit to the stage that is so rarely experienced live.

SET LIST

Nobody Escapes
Arms Tonite
Hayloft II
The Matrix
Problems
Explode!
Back to Life
Video Games – cover Lana Del Rey
Bit by Bit
Body
Sleep Awake
Dirty Town / Neighbour / Wisdom / Ghosting / Little Pistol / It’s Alright
Oh Ana
Wrecking Ball
Verbatim
Hayloft

Grief Chapter – encore
Burning Pile - encore